Method for preparing a beverage or liquid food and system using brewing centrifugal force

ABSTRACT

A method and system for preparing a beverage or liquid from a food substance contained in a filtering receptacle by passing water through the substance using brewing centrifugal forces. The method includes feeding water into the receptacle, and driving the receptacle in centrifugal rotation to force water to flow through the substance in a centrifugal flow path to the outlet of the receptacle. The system includes equipment necessary to carry out the method. The receptacle is a sealed capsule which is opened for water to be introduced into the capsule, contains a predetermined dose of food substance and is discarded after use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/602,542filed Dec. 1, 2009, which is a continuation 371 filing of InternationalPatent Application PCT/EP2008/054401 filed Apr. 11, 2008, which in turnclaims the benefit of each of European patent applications 07109579.8filed Jun. 5, 2007, Ser. No. 07/109,580.6 filed Jun. 5, 2007, Ser. No.08/102,147.9 filed Feb. 29, 2008, Ser. No. 08/102,148.7 filed Feb. 29,2008 and Ser. No. 08/102,149.5 filed Feb. 29, 2008.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage orliquid food from a food substance which is brewed or extracted by usingcentrifuge forces exerted on a receptacle which contains the substance.The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method.

It is known to prepare beverages wherein a mixture consisting of brewedcoffee and coffee powder is separated with centrifugal forces. Such amixture is obtained by bringing hot water and coffee powder together fora defined time. The water is then forced through a screen, on whichscreen powder material is present.

Existing systems consist of placing the coffee powder in a receptaclewhich is usually a non-removable part of a machine such as in EP 0367600B1. Such devices have many disadvantages. Firstly, the coffee powdermust be properly dosed manually in the receptacle. Secondly, the spinnedcoffee waste becomes dry and it must be removed by scraping the surfaceof the receptacle. As a result, the coffee preparation requires a lot ofmanual handling and is so very time consuming. Usually coffee freshnesscan also vary a lot and this can impact on the cup quality becausecoffee comes generally from bulk package or coffee is ground from beansin the receptacle itself.

Also, depending on the manual dosage of coffee and the brewingconditions (e.g., centrifugal speed, receptacle size) the cup qualitycan vary a lot.

Therefore, these systems have never reached an important commercialsuccess.

In DE 102005007852, the machine comprises a removable holder into whichan open cup-shaped part of the receptacle is placed; the other part orlid being attached to a driving axis of the machine. The advantage is tobe able to conveniently remove and clean the receptacle. However, adisadvantage is the intensive manual handling. Another disadvantage isthe difficulty to control quality of the coffee due to a lack of controlfor the dosing of the powder and a lack of control of the freshness ofthe coffee powder.

Other devices for brewing coffee by centrifuge forces are described inWO 2006/112691; FR2624364; EP0367600; GB2253336; FR2686007; EP0749713;DE4240429; EP0651963; FR2726988; DE4439252; EP0367600; FR2132310;FR2513106; FR2487661; DE3529053.

The effect of centrifugal forces to brew coffee or other food substancespresents many advantages compared to normal “espresso” type brewingmethods using high pressure pumps. In “espresso” types brewing methods,it is very difficult to master all the parameters which influence thequality of extraction of coffee. These parameters are typically thepressure, the flow rate which decreases with the pressure, thecompaction of the coffee powder which also influences the flowcharacteristics and which depends on the coffee ground particle size,the temperature, the water flow distribution and so on.

Therefore, there is a need for proposing a new extraction process and acapsule adapted therefore for which the extraction parameters can bebetter and more independently controlled and therefore can be bettermastered for controlling quality of the final brewed liquid.

There is also a need for providing a system capable of brewing differentkinds of beverages, in particular, coffee beverages, for example,espresso, filter coffee or café latte, while adjusting the brewingcharacteristics of each beverage so that the optimum beverage can beobtained. In particular, there is a need for a versatile system whichprovides an easy, simple way of controlling the brewing parameters, inparticular, the brewing pressure range on the bed of sub stance.

At the same time, there is a need for a method which is more convenientcompared to the prior art centrifugal devices and which provides abetter in-cup quality with a higher control of important qualityparameters such as freshness and dosage in the receptacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in the more general sense, to a method forpreparing a beverage or liquid from a food substance contained in afiltering receptacle by passing water through the substance usingbrewing centrifugal forces comprising:

feeding water in the receptacle,

driving the receptacle in centrifugal rotation to force water to flowthrough the substance in a centrifugal flow path to outlet means of thereceptacle, wherein the receptacle is formed by a sealed capsule beforeits use which is opened for water to be introduced in the capsule; saidcapsule containing a predetermined dose of food substance and beingdiscarded after use.

The capsule can be sealed in a gastight manner to preserve freshness ofthe substance contained in its enclosure. The capsule can be opened inthe device itself, e.g., by piercing of the capsule, or alternativelybefore the capsule is inserted in the device, e.g., by piercing of thecapsule or removing a sealing foil of the capsule.

The capsule can be opened for water to be introduced in the capsule,after insertion of the capsule in the beverage preparation device, bypiercing of the capsule.

The capsule can also be opened for water to be introduced in thecapsule, before insertion of the capsule in the beverage preparationdevice by providing at least one passage, by piercing or removing asealing foil of the capsule.

The method more particularly relates to the preparation of a liquid foodor beverage, in a beverage preparation device, from a food substancecontained in a filtering receptacle by passing water through thesubstance using brewing centrifugal forces comprising:

feeding water in the receptacle,

driving the receptacle in centrifugal rotation to force water to flowthrough the substance in a centrifugal flow path to outlet means of thereceptacle,

wherein the receptacle is formed by a capsule which is sealed beforeuse;

wherein the capsule contains a dose of food substance;

wherein the capsule is placed in the beverage preparation device,

wherein the capsule is opened for water to be introduced in the capsule;

wherein the capsule is removed from the beverage preparation device forbeing discarded after the liquid has been brewed from the capsule bycentrifugation of the capsule in the beverage preparation device.

The term “sealed” capsule means that the capsule is made of materialshaving gas barrier properties and is sealed in a fluid tight manner sothat ingress of air in the capsule is prevented. Furthermore, thecapsule preferably contains an inert gas that improves the freshness ofsubstance in the capsule. The capsule can also be wrapped with an outerprotective membrane which is removed before the capsule is placed in thedevice.

Preferably, the capsule contains a dose of substance for preparing oneor two servings (e.g., cups) of beverage. Cups of beverage are usuallysized between about 25 to 220 mL.

The dose of substance for a single cup of coffee may be, for instance,between 4 to 8 grams of roast and ground coffee.

It must be noted that surprising improved brewing results are obtainedby this method which can lead to amounts of coffee solids in the cupwhich are higher than pressure using methods (e.g. “espresso” typemethods using brewing water pressurized by a pump). Without being boundby theory, it is supposed that water flow is more uniformly distributedby centrifuge effect and it creates less or no preferential flow pathsin the coffee bed as compared to traditional methods using a positivepressure obtained by a pressure pump.

The food substance in the capsule can be ground coffee powder, solublecoffee, tea, chocolate, whitener, flavours and combinations thereof.

The capsule is preferably driven in rotation at a centrifugal speed ofat least 5000 rpm, more preferably between 5000 and 16000 rpm.Surprisingly, at such high rotational speeds, improved coffee crema isobtained with a capsule containing ground coffee. Crema has a morecreamy consistency like a real emulsion of oil and water compared tousual crema obtained by traditional methods which is more watery withlarger bubble size.

Of course, the speed also depends on the nature of the food ingredient.For leaf tea, the centrifugal speed is preferably low to provideinfusion rather than a pressure extraction. In particular, for leaf tea,the centrifugal speed is comprised between 10 and 1000 rpm, morepreferably between 50 and 500 rpm.

The capsule can comprise a sealing lid. The sealing lid can comprise aflexible membrane. The membrane can comprise gas barrier and supportlayers made of polymers, aluminium and/or aluminium alloys.

The capsule can also comprise a cup-shaped body onto which the sealinglid is sealed. The cup-shaped body also comprises gas barrier materials.It can be in metal such as thin aluminium and/or plastic.

In another embodiment, the capsule is made of two sealed flexible foils.The foils can be symmetrically arranged forming two identical sides andwelded at a peripheral seam.

In another mode, the capsule comprises a plastic lid attached to acup-shaped body. The plastic lid and body can be attached through aclipping member comprising a deflectable sealing lip. The deflectablelip is designed so that it opens under the effect of the centrifugalforces transferred to the brewed liquid exiting the capsule. In avariant of this mode, the capsule comprises a plastic lid welded on acup-shaped body whereas a series of premade peripheral outlets areprovided in the lid and/or body for the brewed liquid to leave thecapsule under the effect of the centrifugal forces. The premadeperipheral outlets may be a series of small slits of small size to alsofilter the brewed liquid and maintain solid particles of the substancein the capsule. The lid and body can thus be welded by ultrasounds orany suitable connection method.

The method of the invention comprises an operation wherein hot water isintroduced into the capsule at substantially no pressure. Water can bebrought by a hot water feed mechanism using a principle of aspiration orvaporisation.

Alternatively, for a higher flow consistency, hot water can beintroduced using a low pressure pump such as a peristaltic pump or adiaphragm pump and the like.

The method also encompasses an operation during which at least oneperipheral liquid outlet is made before or when water is introduced inthe sealed capsule.

The outlets can be pierced on a lid of the capsule. Outlets can also bepierced on a sidewall of the capsule.

In one mode, a plurality of outlets is formed by piercing at aperipheral area of the capsule. This method has the advantage to requirea simpler capsule. The number of outlets can be chosen to control theflow rate of the brewed liquid. Since the outlets are radially orientedin series, a high pressure layer or jets of the brewed liquid is formedthat is expelled out of the capsule.

Preferably, in the method of the invention, the brewed liquid is alsocollected to form a homogeneous flow of the liquid food or beveragewhich can be directed to the cup.

In a mode, at least one peripheral outlet is formed in the capsule by anopening occurring under the effect of the pressure of liquid carried outby the centrifugal forces.

The invention also concerns a system for preparing a beverage or liquidfood from a food substance contained in a filtering receptacle bypassing water through the substance using centrifugal forces comprising:

a device comprising:

-   -   water feed means for introducing water in the receptacle,    -   driving means for driving the receptacle in centrifugal        rotation,        -   wherein the receptacle is formed by a capsule which contains            the food substance and is insertable in the device for            brewing of the liquid food and then removable from the            device after brewing of the liquid food,            wherein the system further comprises referencing means for            positioning and referencing the capsule in a removable            manner in the device and in operational relationship with            the water feed means and along an axis of rotation along the            driving means.

Preferably, the capsule is a gastight sealed receptacle before beinginserted in the device.

In one aspect of the system of the invention, the capsule comprisestrunconical sidewalls which promote the drainage of the brewed liquidacross the substance to the outlet(s) of the capsule.

In another possible aspect, the capsule has a rigid lid resiliablyattached to a cup-shaped body. The lid can be plastic. The lid and bodycan be attached via a radial deflectable sealing means which opens byeffect of the centrifugal effect to let the brewed liquid pass. Forexample, the deflectable sealing means can comprise at least oneperipheral plastic lip of the lid engaging in a seat of the cup-shapedbody or vice versa.

The invention also relates to a device for preparing a beverage orliquid food from a food substance contained in a capsule by passingwater through the substance in the capsule comprising water feed meansfor introducing water in the capsule, and referencing means forpositioning and referencing the capsule along an axis of rotation in thedevice and driving means for driving the capsule in centrifugalrotation.

The referencing means are designed for receiving the capsule in aremovable manner. They are designed for receiving the capsule in thedevice in operational relationship with the water feed means and thedriving means. The referencing means comprise a capsule holdercomprising a cavity which is drivable in rotation. The capsule holdercan be driven in rotation at a speed of more than 7500 rpm. The capsuleholder is, for instance, connected to a motor via a drive shaft arrangedfor driving the capsule holder about a central rotational axis. Thereferencing means comprise a water injection lid closing on theinjection surface of the capsule. The lid and capsule can co-act inclosure about the capsule while leaving a collecting chamber. Thedriving means comprise a motor and a shaft associated in rotationalarrangement with the capsule holder and/or lid. The capsule holder andlid can swivel along bearings. The collecting chamber preferablycomprises surfaces that surround the capsule radially. The collectingchamber can be associated to a duct for directing the flow of brewedliquid to a recipient (e.g., a cup).

The device may optionally comprise a by-pass conduit arranged to add apart of water in the collector without this part of water passing in thecapsule. The additional part of water enables to prepare beverages oflarger volumes with a part of brewed liquid and a part of water. Forlarge coffee, for instance Americano-type, since the total volume of thecoffee beverage is not passed through the capsule, an over-extraction ofthe ground coffee can be avoided and bitterness can be reduced. Thisresults in a large coffee beverage having an improved taste.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises acontrol unit adapted to vary the speed of the driving means for drivingthe capsule in centrifugal rotation therefore providing differentcentrifugal pressures in the capsule. As a result, the brewing pressureconditions in the capsule can be easily tailored to the type ofbeverages to be brewed. More preferably, the control unit is programmedto provide at least two different centrifugal speeds. In an example, afirst rotational speed is comprised within a value range of 500 to 15000rpm and a second rotational speed is comprised within a value range of5000 and 20000 rpm. For example, low speed values can be set by thecontrol unit to brew coffee with less or no foam such as Americancoffee. The higher speed values can be set by the control unit to brewcoffee with a higher amount of foam such as espresso or lungo coffee.The foam (e.g., coffee crema) is obtained by shearing the liquid throughthe passages in the capsule and also by the brewed liquid which impactson the surfaces of the collector at a higher energy therefore creatingan emulsion with entrapment of gas. Therefore, the kinetic energy of theliquid impacting on a surface is decisive for the improvement of thefoam. In the usual espresso-type methods generating a “water piston”,this phenomenon does not take place since there is no sufficient speedof the liquid leaving the capsule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features of the invention will appear in the detaileddescription of the figures which follows.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a brewing module in openposition of the system of the invention into which is inserted acapsule;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a brewing module in closedposition of the system of the invention which encloses a capsule;

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross sectional view of the system of the inventionin a first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the device of theinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a sealed capsule which can be used in the device of theinvention according to FIG. 4 or 5;

FIG. 7 shows a capsule after its use in the system of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a detailed cross sectional view of the system of the inventionin a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a detail of the system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view of the cup-shaped body of thecapsule in the system of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 shows a detail view of the clipping edge of the cup-shaped body;

FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional view of a detail, i.e., of the engagingconnection, of the cup-shaped body of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows a plane view of the detail of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a cross sectional view of the lid of the capsule in thesystem of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 15 shows a detailed view of the deflectable sealing means of thelid of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows a cross sectional view of the cup-shaped body of thecapsule according to another embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of a detail of the body of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of the lid of the capsule thatconnects to the capsule's body of the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 shows a detail of the lid of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows a sealed capsule and an operational mode for removing theseal of the capsule;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of the system of the invention accordingto another possible embodiment;

FIG. 22 shows a schematic view of the system according to still anotherembodiment;

FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of the system according to still anotherembodiment;

FIG. 24 shows a view of a capsule according to another mode of theinvention;

FIG. 25 shows a schematic representation of a brewing module in closedposition of the system of the invention according to yet anotherembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The system 1 of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 in the moregeneral sense. The system comprises a device 2 and a capsule 3. Thedevice has a brewing module 4 into which the capsule can be inserted forbeing brewed and is removed after use for being discarded (e.g., forwaste or recycling). The module is in fluid communication with a waterreservoir 5 containing fresh or, alternatively heated water. A fluidtransport means such as a low pressure pump 6 can be provided in thewater circuit to transport water from the reservoir to the module. Awater heater 7 is further provided to heat water to the desiredtemperature. It can be noted that water could be heated in the reservoiritself and water could be transported from the reservoir by effect ofvaporisation. Water can be fed into the module 4 at low or substantiallyno pressure. For example, a pressure between 0 and 2 bars aboveatmospheric pressure can be envisaged at the inlet 8 of the module.

The brewing module 4 can comprise referencing means 40, 41 for retainingthe capsule in a predetermined position in the module. The capsule canbe maintained in a slightly inclined position to promote the exit flowof the brewed liquid to a brewed liquid outlet 9. For instance, an angleof inclination relative to vertical can be between 2 and 65 degrees. Thereferencing means can comprise a capsule holder 410 and an injection lid400. Both holder 410 and lid 400 are mounted to rotate along an axis ofrotation I. The capsule holder comprises a cavity having the shape ofthe capsule to be received. The lid is designed to assemble against thecapsule holder in a removable manner. A liquid passage 42 can be createdin the module to enable liquid to be drained and collected from thecapsule to the fixed outlet 9.

Driving means 10 are provided for driving the lid 400 and capsule holder410 together in rotation and, by way of consequence, the capsule too.For this, the driving means includes an electrical motor 11 having ashaft connected to the capsule holder to force the capsule holder 41 inrotation. Since the lid 40 is attached to the capsule holder 41, the lidis also driven in rotation at the same speed as the capsule holder.

The surfaces of the collecting means of the device can be regulated intemperature so that the brewed liquid exiting the capsule is maintainedat a proper temperature and does not cool down before reaching the cup.For this the lid assembly 40 and/or capsule holder assembly 41 can beassociated to heating elements 46 for maintaining the capsule holder ata heated regulated temperature, such as with heating wires or thickfilms and the like.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a detailed view of the principle of centrifugation ofthe capsule. The device comprises a capsule holder assembly 41 with aholder 410 having a trunconical housing 44 in which the capsule 3 isinserted. The holder is mounted along an axis of rotation I by a bearing43. The injection lid assembly 40 is provided with an internal lid 400which can be mounted on a fixed support part 401 of the lid assembly 40in a pivotable manner along the axis I when the device is closed (FIG.3).

The lid assembly and capsule holder assembly are associated along atransversal axis A between an open position as illustrated in FIG. 2 anda closed position of FIG. 3.

At the inside surface of the injection lid 40 is placed a piercingstructure 450 which has the function of piercing the injection side 30of the capsule. A water injector or lance 50 is provided which traversesthe injection side 30 and which comprises an injection conduit forcarrying water from the water circuit into the capsule. The waterinjector 50 is preferably located in the centre of the capsule. Watercan thus be injected in the capsule at a location placed between thecapsule lid 30 and the capsule bottom 31. The outlet of the waterinjector is placed closer to the bottom 31 than to the lid so that watercan first wet the substance in the bottom area of the capsule. The lidfurther comprises outlet piercing elements 51 which are placed on theinside of the lid at a peripheral position. Preferably, a series ofpiercing elements 51 are placed uniformly along the periphery of thelid. Further the capsule comprises an inclined sidewall 32 which widensfrom the bottom 31 to the top 30 in direction of the peripheral openingsor outlets pierced by the piercing elements 51. The lid is furtherprovided with a collecting assembly 52 comprising an inside chamber 53surrounding the capsule's peripheral openings and a nozzle 530 forming atube for directing the beverage of liquid food to the recipient or cup.It can be noted that there is no need for a hermetical arrangementbetween the upper and lower parts 40, 41 of the device. Since water ispushed by the effect of gravity, water flows radially and uniformly tothe sidewall 32 of the capsule to traverse the substance toward theperiphery of the capsule and upwards to the peripheral opening along thesidewall 32. The brewed liquid so impacts the outward surface of thecollecting assembly 52 and is so collected and pushed still by effect ofgravity to the collecting nozzle 530. The advantage of the system isthat there is a low axial pressure therefore there is less need for highmechanical closure forces. The technology is relatively simple since amotor working at low current is sufficient to provide the necessarymomentum to carry out the brewing process. Furthermore, several types ofheaters can be used such as thermos or gas.

FIG. 4 shows a more sophisticated system of the invention. The systemcomprises a capsule holder 41 which is associated to a central rotatingrod 45 mounted along a lower bearing 43, which is supported on a support46. On the lower end of the rod 45 is associated an electric rotarymotor 11. At the opposite side, a lid 40 is associated to an upperbearing 47, along a hollow rotating rod 48 for the entry of water in thecapsule through a conduit 49 traversing the rotating rod 48. Therotating rod 45 is mounted on an upper frame 60 of the system. A seriesof needles 51 is also positioned on the side of the lid 40 to form smallperforations at the periphery of the upper side of the capsule. Thenumber of needles can be set between 5 and 50, preferably between 10 and30. The higher the number of needles, the more uniform the distributionof liquid can be. When the needles 51 are engaged in the capsule, thelid is driven in rotation by the capsule itself which is also driven bythe rotor 45.

The rotational speed can be set between about 5000 and 20000 rpm. Forthis a control unit C (FIG. 1) is provided in the device for adjustingthe rotational speed as a function of the beverage to be brewed. Thehigher the rotational speed, the more centrifugal pressure is exerted inthe capsule by the liquid and the more the substance is compacted on thesidewall of the capsule. Also, the higher the speed, the lower theresidence time of the liquid in the capsule.

For example, for tea, the rotational speed can be minimal to enable aslow transfer of water through the mass of tea leaves and to provide aninfusion of the tea.

For ground coffee, the speed should be high, i.e., higher than 5000 rpm,preferably within a range of about 8000-16000 rpm, in order to performoptimal extraction conditions in term of coffee solid contents in thecup and quality of the crema. It has been surprisingly found that cremaobtained is much creamier than by using the standard espresso brewingmethods.

Therefore, depending on the types of beverage to be brewed, the controlunit can be programmed to adjust the optimal centrifugal conditions. Forinstance, the control unit may be associated to a capsule recognitionsystem enabling to recognize the types of capsules, i.e., espresso,lungo, cappuccino, latte, tea, etc., and to adjust the speed and/orother brewing parameters (e.g., water temperature) according the capsulewhich is inserted in the device.

The brewed liquid is collected in a collecting chamber 52 of the support46 and drained through a collecting tube 9.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment in which the injection lid 40 isconnected to the capsule holder 41 by a bayonet type connection 55 orany equivalent connection means. In this embodiment, only one lowerbearing (not shown) is necessary. The capsule holder 41 and the lid 40are thus connected together and both turn along a lower rotational axle45. The capsule holder comprises a cavity 550 for receiving the capsule.The injection lid is then connected to the capsule holder along anhelicoidal tightening momentum by the bayonet means 55. For example, thebayonet means can comprise a series of radially extending protrusions onthe lid which fits into a series of hooks carried on the edge of thecapsule holder. Tightening may be performed by a gripping portion 61placed on the upper side of the lid. However, the assembly must letliquid pass between the lid and the holder. A sealing joint between thelid and holder is therefore not desirable. A predefined clearance mayalso be ensured for controlling the exit flow of the brewed liquid byforeseeing slots or grooves of predetermined dimensions at the interfacebetween the lid and holder.

A collecting assembly 46 having the shape of a cup larger than thecapsule holder is also placed about the brewing enclosure 40, 41 forcollecting the brewed liquid. The collecting assembly takes support on abase 62 of the device onto which is connected the motor 11. A liquidduct 9 is provided on a side of the cup which is slightly inclineddownwards for the liquid to flow in the direction of a receptacle (e.g.,a beverage cup).

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a capsule that can suit the device according tothe different embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 5. In FIG. 6, the capsule 7comprises a cup-shaped body 70 with upwardly oriented sidewall 76 and abottom wall 77. The sidewall forms a portion of cone which promotes thecollection of the brewed liquid internally. The body terminates by anupper edge 72 raising outwards onto which is sealed a lid 71. The lidmay be a flexible pierceable membrane of several microns in aluminiumand/or plastic. The lid can be welded on the upper edges 72 of the body.It can be pointed out that the membrane and body preferably comprise gasbarrier layers such as aluminium and/or EVOH.

The capsule contains a substance chosen among the list consisting ofground coffee, soluble coffee, tea, a whitener such as dairy ornon-dairy ingredient(s), herbal tea, nutritional substance, culinaryingredients and a mixture thereof.

FIG. 7 illustrates the capsule after brewing of the substance in thedevice. A central water inlet 73 is pierced through the lid for passageof the water injector 50. On the side of the lid are pierced outlets 74communicating with the inside cavity for the brewed liquid to exit thecapsule.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in relationto FIGS. 8 and 9. In this embodiment, a capsule 8 comprising its owninflow and outflow means. More specifically, the capsule comprises acup-shaped body 80 made of plastic onto which is secured a plastic lid81. The lid can be tightly clipped onto the body along its edge bysealing means 82 illustrated in more details in FIGS. 9, 14 and 15. Thesealing means act as a valve. More particularly, the edge of the bodycomprises a peripheral groove 83 formed of two small parallel andcircular portions of wall rising upwardly. For this, the lid has aperipheral portion of wall forming a lip 84 that inserts itself in thegroove 83. The lip 84 can end by a thicker rounded shape 85 to create aclosing pressure on the surface of the groove 83 in the housing, whichpressure must be overcome to let the liquid pass through the cavity orannular groove 83. The sealing lip 84 is designed in such a way that itcan open a radial passage in the groove for the brewed liquid under theeffect of liquid opening them when the liquid is centrifuged.

At the periphery of the lid is provided a secondary closure lip 86 thatfits on the outer edge 87 of the body. This second lip 86 is designed toprovide locking of the lid on the body of the capsule. For this, the lip86 comprises an enlarged section 860 which presses on the outer surface87 of the edge of the body.

The secondary lip 86 creates a clipping function for connection of thelid onto the body and eventually it also forms a second hurdle to beovercome for the brewed liquid to pass. This tortuous path as formed bythe series of lips 84, 86 and the groove 83 generates high shear forceson the brewed liquid. The secondary lip can also be traversed by radialslits for promoting the flow of the brewed liquid (not shown). Forcoffee, this may result in generating a thicker and more stable crema.It can be noted that this lip could be omitted in the context of asimpler structure of the capsule.

In the centre of the capsule's lid is provided a water flow distributionmember formed of a tubular portion 88 extending from the lid. Thistubular portion 88 has a water inlet 89 which can be fitted to the waterinjection conduit 49 of the injection lid 40 of the system. The tubularportion 88 ends by flow distributing means 880 formed of several slotsdirected outwards in the cavity of the capsule. Several slots aredistributed at the free end of the tubular portion 88. The tubularsupport may abut against the bottom surface of the body for demarcatingthe slots and for directing water in many radial directions. Forinstance, the number of slots may be comprised between 2 and 10.Therefore, water coming from the top will traverse the tube 88 and willexit the tube at the slots in the radial direction of the arrow Bidentified on FIG. 9. It can be noticed that water is so injectedpreferably close to the bottom of the capsule; therefore ensuring aproper wetting of the substance, e.g., coffee powder, and in thedirection from the bottom to the top (i.e., between the lid and body)where the brewed liquid leaves the capsule.

The capsule 8 of FIGS. 8 to 15 according to this embodiment can furtherinclude means 840 for gripping the bottom of the capsule and so enablingthe capsule to be properly driven in rotational motion by the device.For this, the means 840 comprises a small tubular portion protruding inthe bottom of the capsule and into which can be inserted a complementarytubular portion 450 of the rotational driving means of the device.

The driving means of the device further comprise a drive shaft 45associated to a support 451 for holding the bottom of the capsule. Ofcourse, the shape of the gripping means can take many other variationswithout departing from the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 12 and13 show a gripping structure 840 having a central recess 841 and fourarched recesses 842, 843, 844, 845 extending from the central recess841. This gripping structure forms a lock into which is fitted acomplementary engaging structure 450, i.e., a key, of the capsule holder451. The complementary shapes of the capsule and capsule holder enableto fulfil both the gearing function for driving the capsule at highspeeds in rotation and a safety function for ensuring that only capsulesadapted to the system can be used and brewed successfully.

In this embodiment for FIGS. 8 and 9, the device itself comprises, as inthe preceding modes, upper and lower bearings 43, 47 for enabling theinjection lid and support of capsule 451 to rotate in conjunction withthe capsule 3. Surrounding the capsule is a collecting assembly 52 witha cup 520 formed of a side and bottom walls 521 and an upper closingcover 522. The cover also serves for receiving the upper bearing 43while the lower cup 520 has a central recess for receiving the lowerbearing 47. The cup 520 and the cover 522 can be assembled in fluidtight manner to avoid uncontrolled projection of brewed liquid.Therefore connection means 523 can be provided and a fluid tight sealingelement, such as an O-ring 524, can also serve to ensure tightnessbetween the two parts. Also a beverage outlet tube (not shown) can beprovided to drain the beverage outside of the collecting assembly.

As also apparent in FIG. 8, the driving means of the device comprise alower electrical motor 11 which is coupled to a driving shaft or driveconnector 45 which is itself connected to the capsule holder 451. Notethat the capsule holder may be a simple plate support or disc 451 or asupport shaped as a cup, for example, if the capsule has no sufficientlyrigid sidewalls.

The brewing operation of the system of FIGS. 8 and 9 can be shortlyexplained as follows:

A capsule 3 as described contains a dose of substance is provided. Thecapsule can be filled with roast and ground coffee. The capsule isinserted in the cup 520 when the cover is removed and placed on thecapsule holder 451 with the engaging structure of the engaging structure450 fitting the recess portion 840 of bottom of the capsule. By theapproach and connection of the cover 522 to the cup 520. The injectionlid 40 is then connected or associated to the capsule's lid 81 with thewater conduit 89 coming in communication with the water injection tube88 of the capsule. When the device is in the closed position of FIG. 8,water can be injected at low pressure or just poured into the conduitthrough the tubular portion 88. Preferably, some water is poured tostart wetting the substance in the capsule before the capsule is drivenin rotation by the rotational driving means of the device. Then, thecontrol unit starts the motor and the capsule is so driven in rotationat high speed to perform the centrifugal brewing operation. Under theeffect of centrifugal forces, the powder substance tends to compactitself radially whereas water is forced to flow through the substance.This results in the substance being both compacted and intimately wettedby water due to high speed rotational movement, the centrifugal forcesexert themselves uniformly on the mass of substance. Consequently, thewater distribution is also more uniform compared to usual methods usinga pressure pump to exert pressure on and through the bed of substance.

As a result, there is less risk of preferential flow path through thesubstance which could lead to areas which are not properly wetted and sonot properly extracted. With ground coffee powder, the liquid thatreaches the internal sidewall of the capsule is so a liquid coffeeextract. This liquid extract is then forced to flow upwards along theside of the capsule up to the sealing means 82. The sealing means 82 arethus submitted to an opening force by the liquid under the centrifugeeffect. This results in the lip that tends to bend outwardly to create apassage between the surface 85 and the inner surface of the groove.Similarly, the second lip is also forced to bend or alternatively mayallow a certain leakage, for example, with premade slits for letting theliquid escape the capsule. The liquid can thus flow through the smallperipheral groove 83 and can exit out of the capsule. The brewed liquidcan be so collected by the collector 52 and be guided outside of thedevice into the recipient.

FIGS. 16 to 19 illustrate another embodiment of the capsule according tothe invention. This capsule has a cup-shaped body 80 comprising the samegripping means 840 at its outer surface for enabling the capsule to bedriven in rotation in the device. The capsule also comprises a lid 81shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Contrary to the capsule of the preceding mode,the lid 80 and body 81 are attached by permanent connecting means suchas ultrasonic welding. The brewed liquid that is centrifuged is allowedto pass through a series of slits 810 provided on the upwardlyprotruding edge 880 of the body. The slits are sized so to act as afilter for retaining the solid particles such as the ground coffeeparticles but let the liquid leave the capsule. The lid is connectedwith the edge 880 fitting into a radial groove 840 of the lid 81 (FIG.19). FIG. 17 also shows small indents 830 serving as energy directorsthat can melt during the ultrasonic welding. In the present mode, thecapsule does not comprise a deflecting sealing lip but it simply hasslits 810 for enabling the brewed liquid to traverse the capsule. Thecapsule of this mode can be used in a device as illustrated in FIGS. 8and 9.

In FIG. 20, a sealed capsule of the invention is shown. The capsule isformed, as described in the preceding modes, of a cup-shaped body 80onto which is assembled a lid 81. The water inlet 89 of the lid iscovered by a sealing membrane 890. The radial outlet area placed betweenthe lid and body is also covered by a sealing membrane 891. Note thatthe same sealing membrane could cover both the water inlet 89 and theoutlet area for the brewed liquid. The sealing membrane 891 can be atamper evidence element such as a ribbon of an adhesive membrane sealedalong the line between the lid and body. The ribbon can be cut by acutting tool 910 in the machine, such as a blade or an equivalent means.As the capsule is driven in rotation (as shown by arrow C), the cuttingtool is approached in contact with the ribbon which is thusautomatically cut. The capsule is so no longer impervious and liquid canescape the capsule through the radial edge of the capsule as previouslyexplained. One can note that the sealing membrane(s) can also be made ofa peelable adhesive material so that the user himself can remove it(them).

According to FIG. 21, the system may also foresee an injection of waterby aspiration under the effect of the rotational momentum. For this, acapsule is housed in the referencing means 40, 41. An injection tube 8connects a water reservoir to the inside of the capsule. The device isso oriented that the reservoir is below the capsule and water istransported by the vacuum that is produced in the centre of the capsule.The injection tube also engages into the capsule up to a regionpreferably closer to the more narrow side or bottom so that water canwet the whole mass of substance, e.g., ground coffee powder.

One can note that the capsule can be positioned with its sidewallwidening downwardly. In FIG. 22, the system is similar but theorientation of the capsule is simply inverted and it widens upwardly.

In the two embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22, water is preferably injectednear the more narrow side of the capsule, i.e., opposite the wideningside, in order for the liquid to flow through the substance in thedirection of the wider side of the capsule and to then exit the capsule.

FIG. 23 illustrates another capsule of the invention. The capsulecomprises means for connecting it to the external rotational drivingmeans of the device. For this, capsule has a toothed structure 75 on atleast one of its outer surface. The capsule has a body 70 comprising anupper edge 72 which can be closed by an upper membrane 71. The toothedstructure comprises a series of teeth which is positioned below the edgeor rim 72 of the body of the capsule. The teeth are placed along thewhole periphery of the body of the capsule. The body of the capsule canbe made of plastic and/or aluminium or aluminium alloy. For example, itcan be moulded by injection of plastic or deep drawn in aluminium. Forexample, the shape of the teeth could be slightly triangular, oval,rectangular or pyramidal. It should be noticed that the teeth could bereplaced by other equivalent structures such as series of elements inrelief and/or hollow. For example, slits, pins or small needles can beenvisaged.

The device itself that receives the capsule of FIG. 23 comprises atoothed surface of complementary shape. FIG. 24 shows a capsule holder44 adapted to receive the capsule of FIG. 23. The capsule holder has acavity into which are provided hollow teeth 440. The hollow teeth arearranged to fit the teeth 750 on the outer surface of the capsule.

It should be noted that the connecting or engaging structure of FIG. 23can replace the structure of the capsule of FIGS. 8 and 9 orreciprocally.

In FIG. 25, is illustrated another embodiment of the brewing system ofthe invention. The difference is here that a water by-pass conduit 500is provided in addition to the main water conduit 50 for adding a volumeof water in the collecting assembly 52. A volume of water may be addedbefore, during or after the centrifugal brewing operation in thecapsule. The by-pass conduit ends on the upper surface of the rotatinglid 400. The upper surface of the lid 400 may comprise a waterdistribution structure such as radial grooves or recesses to promote theflow of water toward the surface of the collecting assembly. The controlunit may control the delivery of the added volume of water so that thevolume is added at the same time as the coffee extract is delivered bycentrifugation so that the foam that is created on the top of thebeverage is not destroyed.

The system and method of the invention provide remarkable brewingresults with solid contents which are higher than usual methods anddevices. The results are very reproducible from capsule to capsule.Surprisingly, crema is also remarkably improved with a creamier, morestable and thicker texture.

Of course, the invention may encompass many variants which are includedin the scope of the patent claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for preparing a beverage or liquid foodfrom a predetermined dose of a food substance contained in a sealedfiltering capsule that has a cup-shaped body with a trunconicalsidewall, and a pierceable sealing lid made of a rigid plastic that isattached to the cup-shaped body via peripheral deflectable sealing meansthat includes at least one peripheral plastic lip, with the capsule alsohaving a longitudinal axis of rotation that passes vertically andcentrally through the cup, which comprises injecting water into thecapsule along the longitudinal axis, centrifugally rotating the capsuleabout the axis of rotation in order to force the water to flow throughthe substance in the capsule in a centrifugal flow path to an outlet toprepare the beverage or liquid food, wherein the peripheral deflectablesealing means is configured to open due to the centrifugal rotation ofthe capsule and flow of water in the capsule to form an outlet for thebeverage or liquid food.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the beverageor liquid food is prepared in a beverage preparation device, and themethod comprises: opening the capsule and introducing water therein, andcentrifugally rotating the capsule in the beverage preparation device,wherein the capsule is discarded after preparing the beverage.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the capsule is centrifugally rotated at acentrifugal speed of at least 500 rpm, and the water is introduced inthe capsule at substantially no pressure.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein, after insertion of the capsule in the beverage preparationdevice, the capsule is opened for the water to be introduced therein bypiercing of the pierceable sealing lid of the capsule.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the capsule is sealed in a gas tight manner andcontains ground coffee powder, soluble coffee, tea, chocolate, whitener,flavours or combinations thereof, with the dose of the substanceincluded therein forming one or two servings of the beverage, and withthe capsule having an axis of rotation that is vertical or inclinedrelative to vertical at an angle that is less than 90 degrees.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the outlet is formed by pressure exerted onthe peripheral deflectable sealing means by liquid movement due toforces from the centrifugal rotation.
 7. A system for preparing abeverage or liquid food from a predetermined dose of a food substancecontained in a sealed filtering capsule that has a longitudinal axis ofrotation that passes vertically and centrally through the capsule,comprising: a device comprising: water feed means for introducing waterinto the capsule, and means for centrifugally rotating the capsule aboutits axis of rotation to force the water to flow through the substance inthe capsule in a centrifugal flow path to prepare the beverage or liquidfood; the sealed filtering capsule having a cup-shaped body with atrunconical sidewall, and a pierceable sealing lid made of a rigidplastic that is attached to the cup-shaped body via peripheraldeflectable sealing means that includes at least one peripheral plasticlip, with the capsule being insertable in the device for preparing thebeverage or liquid food and then removable from the device afterpreparing the beverage or liquid food, and referencing means forpositioning and referencing the capsule in a removable manner in thedevice and in operational relationship with the water feed means andalong an axis of rotation in the centrifugal rotating means, with thereferencing means comprising a water injection structure that engages anupper portion of the capsule and is rotatable therewith and that alsoincludes means for piercing a water inlet in the capsule at itslongitudinal central axis, wherein the peripheral deflectable sealingmeans is configured to open due to the centrifugal rotation of thecapsule and flow of water in the capsule to form an outlet for thebeverage or liquid food.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein thereferencing means further comprises a capsule holder associated with thecentrifugal rotating means for allowing the capsule to be rotated aroundits central axis at a centrifugal speed of at least 500 rpm.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the capsule has an axis of rotation, and thedevice comprises inlet piercing means of a single needle for piercingthe pierceable sealing lid for enabling the water feed means tointroduce water in the capsule, with the inlet piercing means arrangedto pierce at least one water inlet at the axis of rotation of thecapsule.
 10. A device for preparing a beverage or liquid food from afood substance contained in a sealed capsule that has a longitudinalaxis of rotation that passes vertically and centrally through thecapsule, by passing water through the substance in the capsule, thedevice comprising: water feed means for introducing water into thesealed capsule, the capsule having a cup-shaped body with a trunconicalsidewall, and a pierceable sealing lid made of a rigid plastic that isattached to the cup-shaped body via peripheral deflectable sealing meansthat includes at least one peripheral plastic lip, with the capsulebeing insertable in the device for preparing the beverage or liquid foodand then removable from the device after preparing the beverage orliquid food, and means for centrifugally rotating the capsule about itsaxis of rotation to force the water to flow through the substance in thecapsule in a centrifugal flow path to prepare the beverage or liquidfood; and referencing means for positioning and referencing the capsulein a removable manner in the device and in operational relationship withthe water feed means and along an axis of rotation in the centrifugalrotating means, with the referencing means comprising a water injectionstructure that engages an upper portion of the capsule and is rotatabletherewith and that also includes means for piercing a water inlet in thecapsule at its longitudinal central axis, wherein the peripheraldeflectable sealing means is configured to open due to the centrifugalrotation of the capsule and flow of water in the capsule to form anoutlet for the beverage or liquid food.
 11. The device of claim 10,wherein the centrifugal rotating means comprises a drive shaft and anelectrical motor connected to the referencing means for rotating thecapsule, and the referencing means is designed for receiving the capsulein a removable manner and for receiving the capsule in the device in anoperational relationship with the water feed means and the centrifugalrotating means.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the referencingmeans comprises a capsule holder having a cavity which is rotatable andwhich is connected to the motor via a drive shaft arranged for drivingthe capsule holder about a central rotational axis.
 13. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the water injection structure of the referencing meanscomprises a water injection lid that closes onto the capsule, istraversed by a water conduit.
 14. The device of claim 10, which furthercomprises a collector for collecting the beverage or liquid food, thecollector including a by-pass conduit arranged to add a volume of waterinto the collector without such water passing into the capsule.
 15. Thedevice of claim 10, which further comprises a control unit adapted tovary the speed of the centrifugal rotation means for rotating thecapsule at at least two different centrifugal speeds to providedifferent centrifugal pressures of water in the capsule.
 16. The deviceof claim 10, wherein the water feed means comprises a pump and aninjection tube connected to a water reservoir for injection of water inthe capsule under the effect of rotational momentum.